Jess's blog - #1 Jess joins Wrights Plastics GPX

This entry was posted on October 6, 2015 by Wrights GPX.

My name is Jessica and I am 18 years of age. After finishing my A-Levels I had the option to attend university, or take a different career path. I felt that an apprenticeship is much more suitable for me, and also more rewarding than attending university.

After carrying out some research online into different opportunities, I came across a training provider known as Skillwise. They offer training in Business admin, Social media and marketing, and I was over the moon when I found them. I had an interview with Skillwise with many other candidates in Birmingham, and they made me aware that I would be attending a two week residential training experience in Cardiff. I was asked to create a video of myself which would be sent to the employers that I apply to, stating who I am, why I want this opportunity, and why I would be a suitable candidate for their business. The employers would watch the video and then let me know if they wanted to meet me for a formal interview.

After applying for a number of businesses and getting numerous interviews, I didn’t seem to find a business which I felt I wanted to work in, until Wrights Plastics offered me an interview. I had done some research into the business online on the website, and found them very interesting. I attended the interview and instantly knew it was the right place for me to work. It was very welcoming and the staff were friendly. After my interview Skillwise called me to let me know that Wrights Plastics had offered me apprenticeship. I accepted the offer straight away, and then began to arrange my training.

I attended the two week residential training experience in Cardiff, and it was an experience which I will never forget. I met many new people and made many lifelong friends. However it wasn’t all just about the training. After our training sessions, during the evenings we had different activities planned for us. We went speed boating around Cardiff bay, went to the Cinema, meals, movie nights in, rock climbing, and we even went to a trampoline park - everything was completely paid for including our breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The activities may have been fun, but there was still a large amount of training carried out during the day time. We were trained by some of the best marketing minds in the UK who were from the Entrepreneurs Circle. Everything we did was practical, and I learnt an unbelievable amount in just two weeks. We covered areas such as: creating social media sites and websites; email marketing; answering phones to customers, and so much more that it’s impossible to list.

After returning I am now in my first few weeks of my apprenticeship. I have settled in quickly and am getting to grips with the business and how it works, and everyone working here has been helpful and supportive and have made me feel welcome. I have been using the knowledge which I have learnt from my training and have been putting it into practice. I am still yet to attend my second two weeks residential training experience in a few weeks’ time to develop my skills and knowledge. I am looking to complete my 12 month apprenticeship and further on to full time employment with Wrights Plastics. I feel that this has been an amazing opportunity for me to get myself on the career ladder, get my foot in the door and develop myself in the real working world.